Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM) and the University of Technology Sydney (UTS), Australia, have agreed to explore opportunities for a PhD student exchange program and research collaboration to enhance the quality of education at both institutions.
Two delegates from UTS visited the UGM campus on Wednesday (Nov. 6) to discuss this.
The Dean of the UGM Faculty of Engineering (FT UGM), Professor Selo, warmly welcomed the meeting with UTS representatives, who were exploring opportunities for collaboration between UTS and UGM.
One such opportunity would allow UGM to send prospective PhD students to continue their studies at UTS.
“This effort is aimed at strengthening cooperation between UTS and UGM while introducing students to the international learning environment,” said Professor Selo.
Distinguished Professor Alaina Ammit, Associate Dean for the Faculty of Science at UTS, stated that this visit was to follow up on the collaborative discussions initiated in 2023.
She described the opportunity for collaboration between UTS and UGM as a bridge between the two universities to exchange experiences and collaborate in research.
“Moreover, UGM students who continue their studies at UTS are academically excellent,” said Professor Ammit.
She explained that UTS is a relatively young university. Established in 1988, UTS has quickly become one of the largest universities in Australia, with approximately 44,000 students.
UTS also offers excellent campus programs with cutting-edge facilities supporting learning and research activities. Located in Sydney, Australia, UTS provides a welcoming and conducive environment for students worldwide.
The discussion on collaboration extends beyond student exchanges. UGM is also exploring opportunities for institutional cooperation in research.
Dr. Eko Agus Suyono, Vice Dean for Research, Community Service, Collaboration, and Alumni at the UGM Faculty of Biology (Biology UGM), mentioned that this research collaboration would be carried out through research grants.
“We hope to collaborate with UTS, one of the top universities in Australia and the world, to expand UGM’s partnerships and improve the quality of education and research for both students and faculty,” explained Dr. Suyono.
Meanwhile, Dr. Endang Soelistiyowati, Vice Dean for Collaboration and Alumni at UGM Vocational School (SV UGM), expressed hope that this collaboration would enhance research quality and strengthen institutional ties between UGM and UTS.
“The research will cover areas such as clean energy, energy transition, water, clean water availability, and smart cities,” she said.
Dr. Soelistiyowati further noted that this collaboration could expand to include visiting professors and keynote/invited speakers for public lectures held at UGM.
Given the significant potential for collaboration, further meetings and discussions will be held to draft a memorandum of understanding that reinforces UGM and UTS’s dedication to cooperation.
“This collaboration is expected to strengthen UGM’s relationships with international partners,” she concluded.
Author: Lazuardi
Post-editor: Afifudin Baliya
Photographer: Donnie